Aussie legend Simone Fountain inducted to International Swimming Hall of Fame

Simone Fountain grew to become the third member of that Australian crew to be inducted following Debbie Watson (2008) and Bridgette Gusterson (2017) and was the only water polo inductee within the May induction ceremony on the Hall’s dwelling in Fort Lauderdale, USA.

And what made the occasion so particular for Fountain was that a number of of her mentors had been within the crowd, together with Leanne Barnes, who the evening earlier than was included within the ISHOF Aquatic Awards, introduced by AquaCal, which had been introduced for excellent service and contributions towards advancing the aquatic disciplines of aggressive Swimming, diving, creative swimming, water polo, leisure swimming and aquatic security. Her former coach Ian Trent was additionally watching on.

Barnes, whose husband Dennis was within the crowd, was on the forefront of the push for ladies’s water polo’s inclusion within the Olympic Games.

Fountain was introduced together with her sash by lately retired five-time Olympian Felipe Perrone (ESP) who at some point will most likely be inducted.

He stated of Simone: “It’s a pleasure to be right here, celebrating the best honour in aquatic sport. There is nothing fairly like representing a rustic. But what’s higher, successful gold on your nation? And what’s even higher than that? Winning gold in your final worldwide competitors at an Olympics in your house nation. 

“At the 2000 Games in Sydney, Simone Fountain did simply that. And she did it in entrance of her dwelling crowd in probably the most dramatic approach attainable. And on high of it, performed the ultimate with a dislocated shoulder. Wow! 

“For over a decade, Simone was one of many world’s most dominant gamers. So, the safety man from the crew on the 1998 World Championships in Perth — now her husband, Mike — her kids, Charlie, Ava, Toby, myself, and the whole water polo group are all proud to introduce her as a member of the Hall of Fame, of Class 2026. 

Simone Fountain’s Speech

“OK, I’m gonna attempt to get by this very quick speech that I’ve. But I’ll allow you to in on somewhat secret. The help that I gave to Yvette Higgins, with 1.3 seconds to go, was in opposition to the USA within the first ever (Olympic) ladies’s water polo event. And, um…

“I assume what you perhaps do not know, however you could have heard somewhat bit about dedication throughout the final couple of days, however Yvette and I had been the pests of the crew. We could be those who would keep again at follow. Everyone else would bathe and head to the bus. And we might be the final two within the water. And we reimagined that second; we imagined it by additional work, by 1000’s of repetitive moments of me passing that actual cross to Yvette, and her passing passes to me in my favorite place (centre ahead). 

“It simply occurs that with 1.3 seconds to go in that Olympic last, we made that second occur, and it is historical past now. I wish to thank the International Swimming Hall of Fame for this honour. I believe it is a actually frequent factor, that dedication has been a part of the final couple of nights, in addition to folks. And my journey was a product of my very own dedication, but additionally the dedication of so many others; dedication proven by the ladies who fought to get us included into the Olympic Games in 2000. 

“For these of you that do not know, it was 100 years earlier than ladies’s water polo was included within the Olympics. Leanne Barnes is within the crown tonight. She was an incredible inspiration to all of us, so thanks, Leanne, for all the pieces that you simply did for our sport. The dedication of my team-mates throughout 12 years within the Australian crew, particularly these within the Sydney Olympics. They impressed me to be one of the best day by day, and so they impressed me to be one of the best I might be within the water, in that second, in that second, to win the Olympic gold medal. 

“The dedication of my coaches, two of them — Bruce Falson and Istvan Gorgenyi — their steering and confidence enabled my desires to turn into actuality. And, in fact, the dedication and help of my household. 

“We’re renowned for crying when we make speeches. My family, my mum and my dad, and my three brothers, who were in continued support throughout my career, and, as you heard tonight, my husband, Mike, and my children, Charlie, Ava and Tony. Congratulations to all the other inductees, and thank you so much for having me tonight, and I’m really, really proud. Thank you.”

Leanne Barnes — ISHOF Aquatic Award for Water Polo

“I used to be honoured to be nominated by Sandy Nitta, USA coach and former awardee, and to have the ability to settle for the award on behalf of so many who travelled the journey from the world over.

“It’s 50 years because the first chosen Australian crew toured; 40 years because the first official world championship title in Madrid and 26 years because the first Olympic Games gold medal. 

“Earlier this 12 months I shared tales and reflections with Pat Jones, a fearless campaigner and associate in crime. I additionally endeavoured to meet up with the USA’s Jane Hale however timing didn’t work.  In 2028, we could have actual gender fairness with 12 ladies’s groups competing in Los Angeles. 

“It was a blessing to have my family attend in Fort Lauderdale — daughter Amy’s first eight years of life were this journey. Also having Ian (former Australian women’s coach) and Sue Trent (former international), Marla Smith Cautilli and Simone and Mike Fountain made it very special. It was also humbling to experience the stories of the outstanding contributions of awardees in other categories.”

Other ISHOF Inductees

The Class of 2026 contains swimmers Nathan Adrian of the United States, László Cseh of Hungary and Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands; open water swimmer Ferry Weertman of the Netherlands; diver Tania Cagnotto of Italy; creative swimmer Heather Simmons-Carrasco of the United States; Paralympic swimmer Beatrice Hess of France; Masters swimmer Rich Burns of the United States; contributor Stephen A. “Sid” Cassidy of the United States; and coach Jane Figueiredo of Zimbabwe/Russia/Great Britain.

Additionally, Ryan Lochte and coach Gregg Troy — each members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame Class of 2025 — had been formally honoured through the 2026 induction ceremonies.